University was opened during BJP rule; some call it vendetta politics
(thumbnail: Vendetta or move to streamline education?)
MANDI: In yet another controversial move, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government is facing accusations of systematically dismantling Sardar Patel University (SPU), Mandi, the second state-run university established during the tenure of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
The latest attempt to shift 18 private BEd colleges from the SPU to Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, is being seen as a direct attack on SPU’s autonomy and a blow to the students enrolled there.
The move, if implemented, would leave the SPU with only 24 government and grant-in-aid colleges, making it financially unsustainable, said officials.
A BJP leader alleged that the Sukhu government’s actions were not about educational reforms but political revenge, aiming to undo the previous regime’s efforts by crippling the SPU beyond repair.
HPU’s letter reveals hidden agenda
A letter (File No. 1-1/2025-HPU(Acad)) issued by HPU’s Academic Branch has surfaced, making the intentions clear.
According to the letter, university authorities are pushing to bring all remaining BEd colleges under the HPU’s control and have sought a detailed report on the implications of this move.
The letter outlines several key points for analysis:
- Impact on admissions, counseling, and examination schedules if all BEd colleges come under HPU.
- Determining the “right time” for the shifting of students so that the transition is smooth.
- Expected benefits, if any, of centralising BEd education under the HPU.
- Assessing whether this move will negatively impact students.
The letter also states that since these matters fall under the Department of Education at HPU, it is best suited to provide inputs before finalising the decision.
SPU revenue to decline further
SPU currently earns around Rs 3 to Rs 3.5 crore annually from these 18 private BEd colleges through levies, tuition fees and other charges. If these colleges were forcibly transferred to HPU, the SPU would be left financially crippled, struggling to sustain itself, said officials.
The move follows a clear pattern of weakening the SPU, with the government already having taken several controversial steps in the past. Colleges from Kangra and Chamba were previously removed from the SPU and re-affiliated with the HPU.
A major portion of the SPU’s grant was redirected to the HPU. The Rs 15 crore SPU building in Sundernagar was handed over to MLSM College, Mandi.
Students, teachers furious over move
The proposal to shift 18 BEd colleges has sparked outrage among students and the academic community, who see it as a “blatant political manoeuvre rather than an education-driven decision.
“This is nothing but political vendetta. The government is playing with the future of thousands of students. If the SPU is dismantled, what will happen to the students currently enrolled here?” questioned a senior academician from Mandi.
Students, too, have started voicing their concerns. Many fear that this transition would disrupt their studies, delay examinations and create administrative chaos, leaving them uncertain about their degrees.
Munish Sood
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